Mogadishu (LM): Since its adoption, IGAD’s Free Movement of Persons Protocol has marked a significant step toward enhancing regional integration and economic collaboration. By effectively reducing border barriers, the protocol promotes safe and regular migration and reinforces regional peace and stability.
In a key milestone, Kenya became the fifth Member State to sign the Protocol in June 2024, joining Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Uganda in this collective commitment. This growing support highlights the importance of regional cooperation in addressing the challenges of migration and mobility.
The initiative is further bolstered by the IGAD-EU-ILO NDICI Project (2024–2027), which aims to lay down the legal and policy groundwork for various aspects of mobility. This includes labor mobility, disaster displacement management, and transhumance governance across the region.
As more countries embrace the Protocol, the potential for fostering economic opportunities and improving the livelihoods of millions in the IGAD region continues to expand, paving the way for a more integrated and prosperous future.
